TOWSON SET TO HOST WILLIAM & MARY IN REGULAR SEASON FINALETigers to honor record-setting senior class pre-game

TOWSON, Md. – The Towson men’s basketball team will complete its inaugural season inside SECU Arena and look to make history by becoming the all-time winningest Division I Tiger team when William & Mary comes to town on Saturday at 4 p.m.

The battle between two of the top three teams in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) can be seen live on Comcast SportsNet with Rob Carlin and John Feinstein on the call. Fans can also listen to the game on the Towson Sports Network (TSN) with Spiro Morekas and Vince Angotti calling the action.

Before the game, the four Tiger seniors will be honored. Rafriel Guthrie, Mike Burwell, Marcus Damas and Jerrelle Benimon have turned Towson’s program around, leading the Tigers to 39 wins in the last two seasons.

Saturday’s game will also be a ‘Blackout’ as all fans are encouraged to wear black Tiger gear to the game.

Towson, which has won five straight games and nine of its last 10, is 14-1 at home this season. The Tigers are coming off a 69-66 win at James Madison on Wednesday.

Benimon posted his NCAA-leading 19th double-double with 28 points and 16 rebounds in the win over the Dukes. The victory clinched at least a second-place finish in the CAA for the Tigers. Towson will need a win and a Delaware loss on Saturday to claim a share of the league title.

William & Mary (18-10, 10-5 CAA) has won three of its last four games since falling to the Tigers on their home floor on February 15. The Tribe are locked into the No. 3 seed for the upcoming CAA Tournament. Tribe junior Marcus Thornton ranks fifth in the CAA averaging 18.8 points per game.

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TOWSON TRAVELS TO WILLIAM & MARY ON SATURDAY FOR SECOND-PLACE SHOWDOWNTigers and Tribe both 7-3 in the CAAWILLIAMSBURG, Va. — The Towson men’s basketball team will visit William & Mary for a battle of second-place teams in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) on Saturday. The game, set to tip at 4 p.m., can be seen live on Comcast SportsNet.

Joe Beninati and John Feinstein will be on the television call. Fans can also listen to the game on the Towson Sports Network (TSN) with Damon Lewis and Vince Angotti calling the action.

Towson (16-9, 7-3 CAA) will be looking to get back on a winning track as the Tigers fell at UNC Wilmington, 66-53, on Monday.

Senior Jerrelle Benimon posted his NCAA-leading 16th double-double against the Seahawks with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Benimon is just eight points shy of becoming the 24th Towson men’s basketball player to score 1,000 career points in a Tiger uniform.

Benimon would join teammate Marcus Damas as the second Tiger to reach the scoring plateau this season. Benimon and Damas would be just the third Tiger duo to reach 1,000 career points in the same season. They’d become the seventh teammates to play together on the same team with each scoring 1,000 career points.

William & Mary (15-8, 7-3 CAA) has won three straight games and five of its last six. Junior Marcus Thornton leads the CAA in scoring at 20.0 points per game. The Tribe average 72.9 points per game which ranks second in the CAA. W&M shoots 47.2 percent from the field, which leads the league.

TOWSON, Md. – Ranked 10th in NCAA FCS this week, Coach Rob Ambrose and the Towson University football team will go back on the road to face another nationally-ranked Colonial Athletic Association opponent. The Tigers visit William & Mary, the 16th-ranked team in the nation, on Saturday, November 16 at Zable Stadium at 1:30 p.m.

The Tigers and the Tribe are two of four teams tied for second in the CAA this week. Towson (8-2, 4-2) and William & Mary (7-3, 4-2) are tied with Delaware (7-3, 4-2) and New Hampshire (5-4, 4-2) for second in the CAA. No. 6 Maine (9-1, 6-0) leads the CAA and needs one more win to clinch the CAA championship.

The game will be broadcast back to the Baltimore area on www.TowsonTigers.com with Spiro Morekas, Ron Meehan and Zack Maskavich calling the action.

The Tigers, who have won 12 of their last 14 games, will be seeking their 10th consecutive road victory on Saturday. The Tigers, who are 6-0 on the road this season, haven’t lost a road game since a 13-10 loss at James Madison on Oct. 6, 2012.

Towson is coming off a much-needed bye week. Coach Ambrose says, “We really needed it badly. We focused on resting and getting healthy. The guys that needed to rest got their rest. We also worked with the guys who needed it. I feel we optimized our time efficiently.”

This week’s matchup will feature the top offense in the CAA against the top defense in the CAA. The Tigers average 40.3 points per game, a mark that leads the CAA and ranks 11th in NCAA FCS. The Tigers are also averaging a CAA-best 489.5 total yards per game and a CAA-leading 246.3 rushing yards per contest.

The Tribe leads NCAA FCS in scoring defense, allowing 12.2 points per game. In 10 games, the Tribe has allowed only 14 touchdowns. During its three-game winning streak, the Tribe is outscoring its opponents by a 58-17 margin.

While the Tigers have a nine-game winning streak on the road, they will be facing a William & Mary squad that has won all five home games at Zable Stadium this season.

Ambrose knows the Tigers will be facing a formidable challenge this week. He says, “The more that I watch William & Mary on film, the more impressed I am. Their defense is extremely mature, very talented and quite physical. It is one of the best defenses that I’ve seen since I came into this conference. They are incredibly multiple and they have 11 players performing as one. This will be a large challenge for us.”

A leading candidate for the Walter Payton Award as the top player in FCS football, junior running back Terrance West (Northwestern H.S./Baltimore, Md.) is the NCAA FCS leader in rushing and touchdowns scored. He has run for 1,608 yards on 249 attempts, a 6.5 average. He is averaging 160.8 rushing yards per game and leads the nation with 26 touchdowns.

West has more touchdowns than three teams in the CAA and 22 teams in NCAA FCS.

When the Tigers take the field at William & Mary, West will also be approaching another milestone. After rushing for more than 200 yards in back-to-back games, West now has 3,948 yards in his career and needs only 52 yards to become the first Towson player with 4,000 rushing yards in his career.

West has already scored a CAA record 68 rushing touchdowns in his career. He has a total of 70 touchdowns in his career, 19 touchdowns shy of the NCAA FCS career record set by Brian Westbrook of Villanova.

While West leads the CAA in rushing, freshman Darius Victor (Northwestern H.S./Hyattsville, Md.) has also been impressive. Victor has rushed for 361 yards on 55 carries in eight games. He ran for a career high 78 yards on 15 carries with one touchdown against Delaware.

Senior linebacker Telvion Clark (Granby H.S./Norfolk, Va.) leads the Tigers with 93 tackles, a mark that ties him for third in the CAA. Clark also has 8.5 tackles for lost yardage, including 4.5 sacks. He has forced four fumbles and has three fumble recoveries. Named as the CAA Defensive Player of the Week twice this season, he was The Sports Network’s National Defensive Player of the Week after Towson’s win at Richmond three weeks ago.

Junior cornerback Tye Smith (Wakefield H.S./Raleigh, N.C. ) is second on the team with 73 tackles. He has broken up six passes and had his first interception of the season against Delaware.

Towson and William & Mary will be meeting for the 10th time this week. The Tribe owns a 7-2 lead in the series. However, the Tigers have won the last two games. Two years ago, the Tigers handed the Tribe a 38-27 in Williamsburg. Last season, the Tigers edged William & Mary at Unitas Stadium, 20-17.

After facing William & Mary this week, the Tigers will close out the regular season next Saturday afternoon when they host James Madison University at 3:30 p.m.

HARRISONBURG, Va. (May 25, 2013) – Senior right-hander Mike Volpe threw his first career complete game and designated hitter Kurt Wertz drove in three runs as fourth-seeded Towson captured its first CAA Baseball Championship with a 5-2 victory over #2 William & Mary on Saturday afternoon at Veterans Memorial Park.

The Tigers (29-28) earn the league’s automatic berth to the NCAA Baseball Championship, whose field will be announced on Monday afternoon. It is Towson’s first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 1991 and its third overall. William & Mary (37-22) will hope for an at-large berth to the NCAA’s after a season in which it tied a school record for victories in a season.

Volpe (9-3) allowed just one hit and no runs over the final five innings and gave up seven hits for the game. He threw 139 pitches in the contest after a 133-pitch effort in the Tigers’ victory over Northeastern in the opening game last Wednesday. Volpe struck out six and walked two.

Wertz finished 2-for-4, including a two-run triple off the right-field wall with two outs in the ninth that gave the Tigers their biggest lead of the game. Dominic Fratantuono was 3-for-4 with a home run in the victory, while Zach Fisher, Pat Fitzgerald and Brandon Gonnella contributed two hits apiece.

For William & Mary, second baseman Ryan Lindemuth was 3-for-4 with an RBI and run scored to cap an outstanding tournament performance. Lindemuth batted .647 (11-17) with four doubles, two homers, eight runs scored and 12 RBI over four games. Outfielders Jonathan Sarty and Ryan Brown also contributed a pair of hits in the game.

Pitcher Brett Koehler took the loss for the Tribe despite a solid effort. The right-hander gave up 11 hits but only three runs over 8.0 innings.

Both teams got off to quick starts offensively. Wertz smacked his team-leading 13th home run of the season to give Towson the lead in the top of the first. William & Mary responded with a run in the bottom of the frame as Brown lined a leadoff double to right center and scored on Lindemuth’s two-out single.

The Tigers moved back in front in the second when Fratantuono lofted a solo homer over the right-field fence. The Tribe pulled even in the third after Lindemuth opened the frame with a double to left and scored when Sarty bounced a single into left.

In the fifth, Towson’s Gonnella singled to right, moved around on an errant pickoff throw and a groundout, and scored on Fisher’s RBI single up the middle that made it 3-2.

The Tigers created some breathing room for Volpe in the ninth. Gonnella and Fitzgerald each had singles, setting the stage for Wertz’ line drive off the fence in right.

Fisher was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player after batting .476 (10-21) with three homers, five runs scored and 10 RBI over four games. He was joined on the all-tournament squad by Towson teammates Volpe, Wertz, Fratantuono and Andrew Parker.

Named to the team from William & Mary were Lindemuth, Sarty, Michael Katz and William Shaw. Rounding out the team were UNCW pitcher Jordan Ramsey, JMU outfielder Cole McInturff and Northeastern shortstop Jason Vosler.

TOWSON TRAVELS TO WILLIAM & MARY SATURDAY SEEKINGS FIFTH STRAIGHT ROAD WINThe Tigers Have Not Won Five Straight Away From Home Since 1993

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – The Towson men’s basketball team will be attempting to win its fifth straight road game for the first time since 1993 when the Tigers travel to William & Mary on Saturday.

The game, set to tip at 7 p.m. inside Kaplan Arena, can be heard live on the Towson Sports Network with Spiro Morekas and Vince Angotti calling the action.

Towson (10-11, 5-3 CAA), which fell to George Mason on Wednesday, will be playing its fourth game in eight days on Saturday.

William & Mary (7-11, 1-6 CAA) has dropped eight straight games since starting the season 7-3. The Tribe nearly gave Northeastern their first CAA loss on Wednesday, dropping a 95-91 double-overtime thriller to the Huskies in Boston.

Saturday’s game will be the second match-up between Towson and William & Mary in 18 days. The Tribe fell to the Tigers at the Towson Center, 99-86, in double overtime on January 9.

Junior forward Jerrelle Benimon led five Tigers in double figures with 26 points, 12 rebounds and a career-high seven blocked shots. Junior guard Mike Burwell matched his season-high with 18 points against the Tribe and classmate Marcus Damas chipped in 19 points and seven rebounds in the win.

Both William & Mary and Towson rank in the Top 5 in the CAA in scoring. The Tribe rank second by averaging 68.4 points per game while the Tigers are fourth, posting 66.4 points per game.

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TOWSON SEEKING FOURTH STRAIGHT WIN IN CAA HOME OPENER AGAINST WILLIAM & MARYTigers Set to Battle the Tribe on Wednesday Night at 7

TOWSON, Md. – The Towson men’s basketball team will host William & Mary in its Colonial Athletic Association home opener on Wednesday night at 7 p.m.

The Tigers (7-8, 2-0 CAA) will be seeking their fourth straight win and first home victory of the season. Towson has not won four straight games since the 2000-01 season.

During their current three-game winning streak, the Tigers are averaging 71.7 points per game and holding their opponents to just 37.2 percent shooting from the field.

Junior forward Jerrelle Benimon, who was named the CAA Player of the Week for the fourth time on Monday, is averaging 19 points and 15 rebounds over his past three games.

Junior Marcus Damas has scored double figures in four straight games. The forward posted 13 points and a season-high eight rebounds in Towson’s 69-66 win at Drexel on Saturday.

William & Mary (7-6, 1-1 CAA) has dropped three straight games since starting the season 7-3. However, those losses came against Purdue, Vanderbilt and George Mason. Sophomore guard Marcus Thornton leads the Tribe averaging 18.0 points per game.

Towson is 6-5 at home against William & Mary, but the Tribe lead the all-time series, 13-10.

Wednesday’s game can be heard live on the Towson Sports Network with Spiro Morekas and Vince Angotti calling the action.

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TOWSON, Md. – More than two weeks after opening their season at Kent State University, Coach Rob Ambrose and the No. 12-ranked Tiger football team returns to Minnegan Field at Johnny Unitas® Stadium when the Tigers host Colonial Athletic Association rival William & Mary (0-2, 0-0) on Saturday, September 15 at 12 noon.

The Towson-William & Mary game will be nationally-televised on the NBC Sports Network. Todd Harris is the play-by-play announcer while Ross Tucker will handle the color commentary. Carolyn Manno is the sideline reporter.

The game will also be aired on the Tigers’ web site, www.TowsonTigers.com with Spiro Morekas and Ron Meehan calling the action. The Tigers’ internet broadcast also features a one-hour pre-game show.

When the Tigers host William & Mary on Saturday, they will be seeking their eighth consecutive win in a home opener. Towson has not lost its home opener since 2004 when Northeastern beat Towson. The Tigers have an all-time record of 33-10 in home openers.

Saturday’s game will be “Hometown Heroes Day” with members from the Maryland National Guard, Wounded Warrior Project, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, Towson University Veterans Services, Fort Meade, and Baltimore County Police and Fire Departments participating in a special pre-game ceremony honoring America.

Prior to the National Anthem, members from the participating organizations will walk out onto the field holding a piece of American History – the National 9/11 Flag. Found in the aftermath of World Trade Center attacks on September 11, the National 9/11 Flag has been experienced by over 300 million Americans. The flag has been on a journey across America, stopping in each of the fifty states to be stitched back together by local heroes.

The National 9/11 Flag is steeped in history stemming out of the tragic 9/11 attacks. It has been stitched by survivors of the 2009 shooting at Ft. Hood in Texas, by World War II veterans on the deck of the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor, and by the family of Martin Luther King, Jr. It has also been stitched by Members of Congress and by thousands of everyday service heroes nationwide. Recently, a piece of the flag that Abraham Lincoln was laid to rest on was stitched into the fabric of this truly meaningful flag.

At the conclusion of the pre-game ceremony, the National 9/11 Flag will be on display on the South Concourse located inside Unitas Stadium.

Saturday’s game will also be Banner Day as the Tigers’ 2011 Colonial Athletic Association championship panel on the scoreboard will be unveiled.

The Tigers, who posted a 9-3 record last season and won the CAA with a 7-1 mark, had their bye week after their season-opening loss at Kent State. Coach Ambrose said the bye week was very beneficial to the team.

“The bye week was actually good for us,” says the Tigers’ fourth-year coach. “We spent the time working on focus, fundamentals and ball security. We also got a few players healthy. These are guys who weren’t able to play at Kent State.”

Last season, the Tigers beat William & Mary in Williamsburg, handing the Tribe its first-ever loss to Towson. Prior to the Towson victory, William & Mary had beaten Towson seven times in a row.

When the No. 15 Tigers handed No. 14 William & Mary a 38-27 last year, they improved to 6-1 overall and reached the halfway mark of their CAA schedule with a 4-0 record.

The Tribe comes into Unitas Stadium with an 0-2 record. William & Mary has dropped a pair of close games, dropping a 7-6 decision at Maryland and falling to Lafayette, 17-14.

“William & Mary’s defense is very good,” says Coach Ambrose. “At Maryland, their defense played out of its mind. They were truly impressive. Their loss to Lafayette doesn’t reveal too much because of the weather issues. We expect William & Mary to come into Unitas Stadium fully revved up to make everyone forget we actually beat them once.”

Turnovers and special teams mistakes were very costly at Kent State. The Tigers turned the ball over six times as Kent State converted those turnovers into 27 points. On special teams, the Tigers gave up 155 yards on kickoff returns and fumbled twice.

Senior quarterback Grant Enders (right) led the Tiger offense at Kent State. He completed a career high 26 passes in 36 attempts. Enders threw for 251 yards and a touchdown.

After falling behind by 17-0 in the opening ten minutes at Kent State, the Tigers didn’t run the ball as much as they planned. Although sophomore Terrance West was held to 36 yards on 14 carries, he did score two touchdowns. In 2011, West led NCAA FCS with 29 touchdowns scored. West has scored at least two touchdowns in his last nine games and now has 31 career touchdowns.

On defense, senior defensive end Romale Tucker and sophomore linebacker Kenton Powell led the Tigers in tackles at Kent State. Tucker and Powell are tied for the team lead with six tackles each.

The Tigers’ game against William & Mary is the first of two consecutive home games. Next week, Towson hosts its Homecoming Game against St. Francis (Pa.) at 7 p.m.

TIGER TALES: Saturday’s game is the second of six Tiger games that are scheduled to be televised … It is also the Tigers’ first appearance on the NBC Sports Network … Towson’s games at Villanova and Delaware later this season will also be televised by NBC Sports Network.

Although the Tigers dropped a 41-21 contest to Kent State, they actually outgained the Golden Flashes … Towson had 331 yards of total offense while Kent State had 267 yards … Towson also had 20 first downs while Kent State had 15.

With 273 yards of total offense at Kent State, Enders ranks second in the CAA in that category … He is also second in the CAA with 251 passing yards.

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First-and-10…
• The University of Maryland football team kicks off the 2012 season against William & Mary Saturday at 3 p.m. inside Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium. The Terrapins, under the direction of second-year head coach Randy Edsall, are opening football season No. 120. Saturday’s game will be streamed live on ESPN3, as well as being broadcast on the Terrapin Sports Radio Network.
• Maryland headed into preseason camp with 15 returning offensive and defensive starters from a year ago, including 10 on defense. Senior defensive lineman Joe Vellano, a 2011 second team All-American, and linebackers Demetrius Hartsfield and Darin Drakefordheadline the 10 starters back on defense. Vellano led the FBS last season in tackles by a defensive lineman (7.8 per game), Hartsfield was an honorable mention All-ACC pick and Drakeford had a league-high tying four forced fumbles.
• The offense was set to return five starters, including three of its top four receivers from last season in wideouts Kevin Dorsey and Kerry Boykins, and tight end Matt Furstenburg. Junior C.J. Brown, who started five games in 2011 and set the Maryland single-season rushing yards record by a quarterback, was set to assume No. 1 quarterback duties. Injuries, however, took their toll in August. On Aug. 14, Brown suffered a torn ACL in a non-contact drill and will be out for the season. Less than a week later, 2011 freshman All-America defensive lineman Andre Monroe suffered a season-ending knee injury. In all, Maryland will have a total of 10 potential starters out in week one vs. William & Mary (see note page 2).
• Still, Maryland hopes a number of key returnees, combined with a highly touted 2012 recruiting class, will help it reach postseason play for the ninth time in the last 12 years. In addition to Vellano, Hartsfield and Drakefield, several playmakers are back on defense. In the secondary, Eric Franklin and Dexter McDougle have plenty of experience, having both started every game last year. Franklin, a senior who has played in 28 career games, led the team in solo tackles (64), ranked second in total tackles (106) and tied for second on the team with four pass breakups. McDougle, meanwhile, led the team with six pass breakups and tied for the team lead with three interceptions. The Terps also welcome back linebacker Alex Twine and defensive lineman A.J. Francis, both of whom have starting experience. As a true freshman last year, Twine ended the season as the starter at Will linebacker and averaged 9.8 tackles in his four starts. Francis, who will play defensive end in coordinator Brian Stewart’s 3-4 scheme, has played in each of the last 37 games and has 23 career starts.
• The Terps will look to true freshman quarterback Perry Hills to direct the offense. Hills won the job in preseason camp after Brown’s injury and impressed his teammates and coaches with his poise and ability to manage the offense. Maryland will be under the direction of coordinator Mike Locksley, who has installed a pro-style offense with spread principles. That will be well-suited for Hills, who has the ability to make plays with his arm and his legs. Maryland will have a young, talented group of running backs that has impressed the coaching staff in the preseason. Redshirt freshman Brandon Ross enters week one as the starter, with sophomore Justus Pickett listed as his backup. Pickett is the lone running back on the roster with game experience.
• On special teams, Maryland will look to several young players. Freshman Stefon Diggs will be the kickoff and punt returner, freshman Brad Craddock will handle the place-kicking duties in week one, and Craddock or Nathan Renfro will handle the punts.

Quick Hitters…
• The five Maryland players who received 2011 postseason recognition return to the squad this year – DL Keith Bowers(freshman All-ACC), LB Lorne Goree (freshman All-ACC), LBDemetrius Hartsfield (honorable mention All-ACC), DL Andre Monroe (freshman All-American) and DL Joe Vellano (second team All-American; first team All-ACC).
• Maryland was hit hard by injuries in the preseason. The team’s first depth chart was absent of 10 potential starters, including seven on the defensive side of the ball, due to various injuries and ailments: defensive linemen Keith Bowers, Isaiah Ross andAndre Monroe; defensive backs Isaac Goins, A.J. Hendy andMatt Robinson; linebacker Kenneth Tate; quarterback C.J. Brownand offensive lineman Josh Cary; and place-kicker/punter Nick Ferrara.
• Perry Hills is expected to become the first true freshman starter at quarterback for Maryland since Latrez Harrison in 1999. He’ll also be the first freshman to start a season opener since redshirt freshman Calvin McCall on Sept. 2, 1999, in a 6-0 win over Temple.
• The Terrapins return 75 percent of the offensive and defensive two-deep from the end of last season. There are 17 of the 22 offensive players back and 16 of 22 defenders. In addition, eight of the 12 members of the final special teams two-deep is back in 2012.
• Maryland had 15 seniors on the 2011 roster, but just 12 of those players were listed on the two-deep at some point during the year. There are 17 seniors listed on the 2012 roster.
• Eleven of the top 13 tacklers from 2011 are back this season, including Hartsfield, who had a team-high 108 stops, and safety Eric Franklin, who was second with 106.
• Six of the top seven sack producers from 2011 are back this season, though leading sack producer Monroe, who had 5.0, is out for the season after suffering a knee injury in preseason camp. With Monroe’s absence, the top returning sack producer is L.A Goree, who had 3.5 last season.
• Three Terps ended 2011 ranked among the top 12 in the ACC in tackles. Hartsfield was second at 12.0 per game and Franklin was sixth at 8.8. Vellano was 12th with 7.8 per contest.
• There are just two returning starters (Bennett Fulper and Justin Gilbert) on Maryland’s offensive line, but six players have started in their careers. De’Onte Arnett, Josh Cary, Sal Conaboy and Peter White have also started on the o-line.
• Nine bowl teams from last year appear on Maryland’s 2012 schedule: Temple (Gildan New Mexico Bowl), West Virginia (Discover Orange Bowl), Wake Forest (Franklin American Mortgage Music City), Virginia (Chick-fil-A Bowl), NC State (Belk Bowl), Georgia Tech (Hyundai Sun Bowl), Clemson (Discover Orange Bowl), Florida State (Champs Sports Bowl) and UNC (AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl).

Byrd Gets a Facelift…
• Maryland in August finished the installation of a brand new FieldTurf Revolution surface at Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium. The privately funded $3 million project resulted in the “coolest” synthetic turf field in the nation and was completed in time for preseason camp. In order to enhance playability for all sports expected to use the facility, and after various tests and discussions, it was decided the playing surface would be a traditional green in color. The end zones for football will have a design reminiscent of the Maryland state flag and reinforcing the “Maryland Pride” theme of Maryland Athletics. The project at Maryland is the first of its kind in the United States and features exclusive new heat-reducing technology – CoolPlay – which, coupled with the patented silica sand and cryogenic rubber infill, will provide the facility with the “coolest” infill technology. FieldTurf has done extensive temperature testing which shows that CoolPlay infill provides for a difference of up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit versus traditional rubber infill systems. The many benefits of the new field include protecting the health of the student-athletes, improved playability in inclement weather, annual savings on field maintenance, a fantastic recruiting tool and tremendous revenue-generating opportunities through events such as concerts, high school games and other outside athletic events.

Openings at the Skill Positions…
With the loss of its top tailback and second-leading receiver, the Terps have openings at a couple of key skill positions.Davin Meggett ended his career seventh on the Maryland career rushing list and Quintin McCree was productive over the last half of his senior season, posting 31 of his 40 catches in the final six games. But seniors Kevin Dorsey and Kerry Boykins are expected to lead a young, but talented group of wide receivers. Dorsey led the team in receptions (45), receiving yards (573) and touchdown receptions (three) last year, while Boykins was third in both catches (37) and receiving yards (430). Sophomore Marcus Leak will look to build upon the experience of his freshman season in expanded roles this year. Leak, a speedy and physical player, saw extensive action in the first half of 2011. He ended up posting 12 catches for 85 yards as a true freshman. Sophomore Nigel King and redshirt freshman Tyrek Cheeseboroshould also be fighting for time. King is a another big, physical presence who joined the team in spring 2011, but was unable to practice with the Terps in the fall due to an NCAA eligibility issue. Cheeseboro was one of the team’s better special teams players last season before his true freshman campaign was cut short with a knee injury. Levern Jacobsjoined the program this semester after spending the fall at Milford Academy and figures to push for time. The addition of freshmen Stefon Diggs, Malcolm Culmer and Amba Etta-Tawo will add competitiveness to the position. Diggs has impressed in preseason camp and is listed second on the depth chart at the slot receiver behind Boykins. The Terps will be young at tailback, but look to have plenty of depth at the position. Justus Pickett saw considerable time last season as a true freshman. The shifty back ranked third on the team in both carries (74) and rushing yards (274). He also caught 10 passes out of the backfield. Brandon Ross, though, has earned the starting job for week one. The redshirt freshman will be backed up by Pickett, and freshmen Wes Brown and Albert Reid will also battle for time. Maryland also returns it’s No. 1 fullback in sophomore Tyler Cierski who is a bruiser at 255 pounds. He played in all 12 games in 2011, seeing time on special teams as well. Senior Jeff Hernandez and freshman Kenneth Goins will back up Cierski.

Stability at Tight End…
• Tight end is one of the most experienced positions on the team with all four players back this season. Senior Matt Furstenburg has started the last two years and has become one of the top tight ends in the ACC. A member of the 2011 John Mackey Award midseason watch list and the preseason watch list this fall, he ranked third in the conference among tight ends in both receptions (2.6 pg) and receiving yards (29.0 pg). He has a capable backup in Devonte Campbell, who had a pair of touchdown catches last season. The senior is a strong, athletic presence who should see plenty of action in the team’s two tight-end sets. Campbell has played in 17 games over the last two years. Senior Ryan Schlothauer served as the No. 3 tight end a year ago, seeing most of his time on special teams. The wild card at the position is Dave Stinebaugh who has been relegated to the sidelines most of the last two years due to knee and shoulder injuries. The junior is healthy now though and ready to contribute after a productive preseason.

Replacements on the O-line…
• The Terps will have to replace three starters on the offensive line, though six players who have started are returning.Bennett Fulper, Justin Gilbert, Pete White and Josh Cary have the most experienced among the returners, while De’Onte Arnett and Sal Conaboy have also started. Fulper, a two-time Academic All-ACC choice, has started the last two seasons at center, but has also played guard and is slotted at the left guard spot, with Conaboy taking over at center. Gilbert was the starting left tackle in 2010 before two knee injuries sidelined him until the second half of last season. He slides over to right tackle to start this season, and will be backed up by redshirt freshman Ryan Doyle. Arnett, a junior and a converted defensive lineman, earned the starting spot at right guard. He started the final game of 2011 at left guard and played in five games total. With Josh Cary injured, Arnett will be backed up by promising redshirt freshman Andrew Zeller. Klemm is penciled in at left tackle after playing in six games as a reserve right tackle last season. Highly-touted freshman Mike Madaras will back Klemm up.

Depth on the D-line…
• With all four starters back and the shift to a 3-4 defense, Maryland entered preseason camp with plenty of depth along the defensive line. The d-line was hit hardest by the injury bug in August, though, as Andre Monroe suffered a season-ending injury, and Isaiah Ross and Keith Bowers are both out for week one. Still, the Terps have talent and depth. All-American Joe Vellano will lead this group for the third straight season. Vellano, who led the FBS last season in tackles by a lineman (7.8 per game), will move from tackle to end in new coordinator Brian Stewart’s scheme. Vellano is a two-time All-ACC performer and a two-time team captain. Senior A.J. Francis is slated to be the other end, and sophomore Darius Kilgo is slated as the starter at nose tackle. A big, athletic presence, Francis has plenty of experience. He has played in each of the last 37 games, with 23 starts to his credit. Like Francis, Kilgo is a 300-pounder, though he does not have the same level of experience. He played in just five games last season as a reserve. Among the backups, only Justin Anderson, who is behind Francis at one of the ends, has experience. Anderson started all 13 games at anchor (hybrid defensive end position) in 2010 before being sidelined with an injury early last season and eventually serving a redshirt year. Defensive line coach Greg Gattuso says Anderson has the prototypical measurables to play end in Stewart’s scheme. True freshman Quinton Jefferson is listed as the backup to Vellano. Jefferson joined the program in the spring semester after signing in 2011 and sitting out the fall due to a medical issue. Sophomore Alex Walker will backup Kilgo at nose tackle.

Core of Linebackers Return…
• The Terps have a number of productive linebackers returning to the team this season, as well as an influx of four talented freshmen. Maryland is in possession of the leading returning tackler in the ACC and top forced-fumble producer in the league. Demetrius Hartsfield ranked second in the conference last season in tackles (12.0 per game), while Darin Drakeford tied for the ACC lead in forced fumbles (four) despite missing four games due to injury. Those two seniors will lead an experienced, but still young group. Hartsfield and Drakeford are penciled into the Mo (inside) and Will (outside) positions, respectively, in Brian Stewart’s defense. Alex Twine, Cole Farrand and L.A Goree all had significant reps last season as freshmen. Twine took over as the starter at Will at the end of last season. He averaged 9.8 tackles in his four starts and is penciled into the Sam (outside) spot. Farrand won the starting job over Goree at the Mike (inside). Goree was an honorable mention freshman All-America pick last season after averaging 5.0 tackles per game (fourth in the ACC among freshmen). Farrand saw most of his time on special teams. He has readied himself to play inside by bulking up to 245 pounds in the offseason. Marcus Whitfield took over as one of the starting defensive ends in the second half of last season. He has been moved to the Will position where he will back up Drakeford. Bradley Johnson will serve as the No. 2 Mo behind Hartsfield. The freshmen will have to work to crack the two-deep, but all four have solid pedigrees. Abner Logan is the most highly decorated of the four linebackers who joined the team in the preseason. Logan was a four-star selection by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com. All-state performers Brock Dean, Shawn Petty and Avery Thompson join Logan. With Kenny Tate’s injury, Thompson will serve as the backup at Sam.

Secondary Roles…
• The Terps lost a pair of cornerbacks with extensive starting experience, but return one starter at that position and will have three safeties with starting experience on the 2012 roster. Dexter McDougle started all 12 games last season at cornerback, leading the team with six pass breakups and tying for the team lead with three interceptions. The Terps will go with Jeremiah Johnson opposite McDougle. Johnson saw most of his time on special teams in 2011, but he did serve as the No. 4 cornerback for much of the season. Isaac Goins was added to the roster in December, joining the team from Contra Costa College where he was a 2011 first team All-Bay Valley Conference choice after posting six interceptions. Goins, though, is out for the opener with mono. Redshirt freshman Makinton Dorleant and true freshman Alvin Hill will provide depth at cornerback. Eric Franklin is penciled in at one safety position. He led the team in solo tackles (64), ranked second in total tackles (106) and tied for second on the team with four pass breakups. He ranked sixth in the ACC in tackles (8.8 pg). With Matt Robinson out for the opener, true freshman Sean Davis will start opposite of Franklin. Robinson was expected to be one of the key contributors on defense. When he had season-ending shoulder surgery he ranked second in the ACC and tied for seventh nationally in tackles per game (12.0).

Special Teams Makeover…
• Maryland will have a number of new faces on special teams this season. The lone returnee is Nick Ferrara, though he is listed as day-to-day and could be out for the William & Mary game. Ferrara, who handed all three phases of the kicking game last season, ranks in the top 10 in career made field goals at Maryland. Should he miss Saturday’s game, true freshman Brad Craddock, a native of Adelaide, Australia, will handle the place-kicking duties. Craddock and redshirt freshman Nathan Renfro are both listed atop the depth chart at punter, and junior Greg Parcher takes over long-snapping duties for four-year starter Tim Downs, who graduated. The Terps will look to true freshman Stefon Diggs in the return game. Diggs, a five-star prospect out of Good Counsel High School in Gaithersburg, Md., impressed in the team’s open scrimmage by returning a kick 98 yards for a touchdown and a punt 69 yards for a touchdown.

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